THE F.U.’S / BRING THE KNIFE / BAD LEUITENANT / H.A.T.H / KRYLLS / LED TO THE GRAVE
Metal vs. Punk Show at the Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge MA 5/11
So this show was billed as Punk vs. Metal and we were very interested in this show because, of course, we cover metal and punk bands but also, because one of our goals is to possibly hook up bands from the different genres we cover. This already happens, somewhat, but if we can facilitate more bands helping each other, by mixing their fan bases, our job is done and we believe the task is worth it.
Enough pontificating up first is Led To The Grave which is definitely a metal band with a capital “M”. They’re a trio with a very brutal, almost death metal approach. It takes me a couple of songs to get into them but soon I’m enjoying and understanding where they’re coming from. Andy Bang mentions, though the bass player has Black Sabbath on his jean jacket these guys are light years from anything Ozzy ever imagined, but somehow, we think he’d approve. They seem fairly new and upcoming and I came to enjoy their heavy, grinding assault.
Next is Krylls which despite the name is no way metal. I suppose they’re representing the punk side but to me they sound like a new wave band from the eighties. Some new wave bands were great but it was pretty hit and miss. These guys, though competent at what they do, miss it for me.
Up next is H.A.T.H. which scores, as Andy put it, “The most interesting band of the night.” I guess it’s their last live show, also. They might be called “Industrial Hardcore” but to me it’s “Experimental Spanish Industrial Death Metal.” Actually, these guys throw me for a loop with their industrial rhythms and their barking, theatrical singer (abrasive during and in between songs) interrupted at times by a diminutive Spanish guitarist who spouts off some words that may or may not be Spanish. I’m familiar with avant-garde jazz and a lot of experimental music but this band leaves me confused. I must say that though they’re the oddest band of the night they seem to be the best well received.
We’re back in the swing of things with Bad Lieutenant presenting ably for the punk side. This is my first time seeing these fine officers of the law and they uphold justice mightily. Funny lyrics, energetic rhythms and just a balls out rockin’ good time. Not quite punk, not quite rock, not quite rock’n’roll just- quite good. Not only can I recommend them live but I’d recommend getting their cd which is reviewed on this site, fun, fun band.
Bring The Knife is next representing the metal side with the organizer of this show, Duncan Wilder Johnson, who also has the fine website http://thrashachusetts.com . They bring a heavy, aggressive, slugging brand of metal. This is prime headbangin’ metal that makes me think of Rob Zombie, who I really like, at times. The secret weapon is Pattie The Gimp an excellent guitarist who bends her strings until her guitar yelps in pain as the rhythm section thunders on. Very good metal band, indeed.
It’s been a long night ping ponging back and forth with this metal and punk but it’s been an enjoyable one. To close it out are The F.U.’s who seem to show up at every fucking show I cover but I’m far from complaining. They play hardcore punk from the 80’s and they were a bit metal during their inception as the Straw Dogs. This band always puts a smile on my face.
So job well done, Duncan, may there be more shows to follow (I believe this is the second show he’s put on with this title). I count two metal bands- Led To The Grave and Bring The Knife and two punk bands- Bad Lieutenants and The F.U’s that I can recommend unequivocally. No clear cut winner, so let’s just say -METAL AND PUNK RULES!
(Slimedog)
